I stood outside the building of the Ravenspire Guild building. The sky outside was now clear of the grey clouds.
I looked at the card in my hand—Obsidian in colour, the border plated with a thin lining of gold and the symbol of a raven bird carved in the top right corner.
My name, age and rank were written on it with silver engravings. That man... Weichts. He was so fixated on making me a member, he already ordered a privilege card for me.
In the game, when Raiden becomes a privileged member of a Guild. He has to wait at least 3-4 in-game days to get the privilege card.
And I received it in a single day.
Maybe I am also a protagonist?
"Well, whatever." I shrugged my shoulders, then put the card back in my pocket. Stretching my arms forward, I started walking back towards the inn.
My task here is now complete. Heck, even if I return here, I won't need inns to stay at which is a blessing it saves a lot of money for me.
I can now take Aeris back to Rasendorf, and I should do it today itself. After that, I have to return here—For the Frostcove maze.
Where the Astral Root has the highest chance to spawn.
I don't know how long it will take for me to get it. But I have to get it before the Academy starts, or else Aeris would have to wait till the first semester is over.
As soon as I make her feel Mana again, the faster I can progress with the Covenant and get the Aegisguard, which is in the Elven continent.
[Noah, that man... Weichts, he was strong.] Dante remarked.
Indeed, he was.
[His mana core might that be only of master but his Aura core was that of a Paladin]
He went easy on me, didn't he?
[Yes, he did.]
I don't even know what that man was thinking. He gave a privilege card to an unknown guy, who refused to reveal his identity. And also...
I reached into my pocket to take out a small box—It was made of slick brown leather with intricate patterns on the lid.
I grazed the lid with my thumb, feeling its texture and opened it slowly. Inside the box was a gold ring with a white stone embedded into it.
"Talk about fancy..." I mumbled to myself, taking the ring out of the box. "Better give it to the person I marry."
[He gave it to you so that you could disguise yourself properly.] Dante stated. [The one you were wearing previously could've been easily spotted by some high-tier mage, which would've definitely exposed your identity.]
I know, I know. I was just joking.
I put the ring back in the box, sealing it tight and put it back in my pocket. "Maybe I should start doing some escort quests from the side. It will help me generate income..."
"Ah, and also loot some bandit bases nearby, removing filth and taking their filthy gold."
...
Arriving at the inn, I head to my room. Aeris must've been waiting, and I had to prepare for departure. Standing outside the door, I knocked on it.
"Aeris, it's me," I called out.
"It is open." Her reply came from inside. My brows furrowed, I clearly told her to keep the door locked. But well, she must've went outside to get food.
I turned the door knob, stepping inside locking the door behind me. Inside, the room smelt of roasted meat and honey. And the source...
"Aeris," I called her as I looked at her. Dirty and empty white porcelain plates are lying on the floor. Aeris was sitting on the bed with her left hand holding another plate with what looked like honey-glazed venison.
Her other hand held a fork with a tiny piece at the end. "How much did you eat?"
"Human, you are here." She stood up, ignoring my question. "So, what happened?"
"I will tell you that later, but first, answer me. HOW. MUCH. DID. YOU. EAT?"
"Not much..." She muttered, averting her gaze. "Only 5 plates..."
"5 fucking plates! Are you serious?!" I yelled. A single plate costs around 15 silver, but she ordered five of those.
She flinched. "Is something wrong?"
"Yes! Do you know how much they cost?"
"No?"
"Ugh, never mind. I didn't know that you were a glutton." I said, rubbing my temples. "Aunt Josephine is gonna have a lot of trouble or fun with you."
"Who?" Aeris raised an eyebrow.
"Josephine Von Blitzfeld, she is my aunt," I explained, crossing my arms. "She is the one who is going to teach you Mana control, and I will ask her so that she allows you to use the library for spell tomes."
"What do you mean, human?"
"I am saying that today we are leaving for Rasendorf, the place where my Aunt resides."
"Wait, today! When?"
"Right now!"
Aeris turned around and ran towards the bed and took a seat, frantically eating the venison.
This... What the hell?
As I looked at her, the more she looked different from the Aeris in the game. She looked, let's say, more emotional than her game counterpart.
I exhaled a short breath walking towards her and sat beside her on the bed. "Hey, take it easy. We will make it in time."
She looked towards me for a while, her mouth full with food. Nodding, she continued eating her food as I just sat there looking at her.
...
As the snow piled on the roof of the railway station of Clinkton. Aeris and I both entered the station. Inside, the station was quiet, with a few murmurs of people.
"Human," Aeris tugged at my cloak. "What will you do after we reach Rasendorf?"
"Me?" I stopped, turning around. "I will return here again."
"Why?"
"I'll explain later." I moved for the counter to get two tickets to Rasendorf.
The lady there politely greeted me with a practiced smile. I paid her the coin, taking the tickets. The train would arrive in an hour.
Our platform was four. So, I joined Aeris and together, the two of us walked towards platform four. Few trains passed by as we walked along the platforms.
Aeris shifted her gaze anxiously towards other people, watching their every move. It would take her a while to get used to humans, but at least she did not shy away from me.
After reaching platform four, we both took a seat on a bench. Waiting for the train.
"So, will you tell me now?" She asked again, leaning her head forward. Her golden eyes flickered towards me.
"I will enter mazes and search for the Astral Root," I replied, looking upwards at the roof of the station. "It will take me some time, but I should be able to find it after a few months."
"Can't I not join you?"
"No, without Mana—You will just be a burden to me."
Hearing my words, she clenched her fists. Her face darkened with both frustration and resolve.
"Hey, don't worry. After you can use magic," I ensured, smirking. "We can give a very good surprise to your parents and make them regret their decision of abandoning you."
"Yes..." Her expression slightly softened, which meant that she at least believed in my words.
"But my father is a Sovereign... You do know that, right?"
"I forgot about that..."